Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s14.36

v1.c3.s14.36

1. Candra,¹ Candra-mas,² are the names of the ‘moon,’ the latter occurring from the Rigveda onwards, but the former being first used in this sense by the Atharvaveda. Very little is said about the moon in Vedic literature, except as identified with Soma,³ both alike being described as waxing and waning. Reference is, however, made to the regular changes of the moon, and to its alternation with the sun,⁵ to which it, as Soma, is declared in the Rigveda to be married.⁶ Mention is also made of its disappearance at the time of new moon,⁷ and of its birth from the light of the sun.⁸ In the Atharvaveda⁹ reference is made to demons eclipsing the moon (grahāś cāndramāsāḥ).